Event Details

In his first appearance on our stage since 2006, Everton Blender, along with Abja & the Lions of Kush, represent hard-core, conscious reggae music as we celebrate Ashkenaz’s anniversary: “40 Years Dancing for Peace.”

Headlining a full night of roots and newer reggae, Everton Blender boasts one of the sweetest tenor voices to come out of Jamaica, where he was born in 1956. His style melds roots reggae with dancehall in his songs bursting with spiritually uplifting themes, spread over a series of heralded CDs from 1994’s “Lift Up Your Head” to the 2007 “Live in Berkeley.” In addition to being a singing star and composer/arranger, as a producer Blender has worked with fellow reggae artists Prezident Brown, Richie Spice, Anthony B, Jah Mason, and Admiral Tibet, among others.

Whether collectively or on personal journeys, all of the Lions of Kush have performed across the globe at reggae roots and culture events, spreading their musical, lyrical and spiritual highlights. They have reunited to celebrate the release of their new CD, “Jah Is Judge.” Based in St. Croix, the Virgin Islands, Abja & the Lions of Kush have all taken part in several U.S., Caribbean, and European tours, including feature appearances at the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival and on Tempo (the Caribbean’s equivalent of MTV). Their impact has been felt as well at the World Social Forum in Caracas, Venezuela, and at the Kafountine Carnival in Senegal.